Analysis Of The Poem ' The Odyssey '

Analysis Of The Poem ' The Odyssey '

Penelope is identified by relatively few epithets within the last six books of the Odyssey, and indeed, throughout the poem. Her most common epithet is 'circumspect,' although she is also referred to as the 'respected wife of Odysseus' and the 'daughter of Ikarios' with relative frequency as well. It is not until the end of the poem, specifically Book Twenty–Four, that Penelope gains a broader spectrum of identifying epithets, including 'blameless' and 'prudent' (Homer, Odyssey 24.194, 198). Her identification as 'circumspect' is important to the overall theme of νόστος (homecoming) in the Odyssey. In addition, the manner in which she is described within the poem stays relatively stable until the last two books, wherein Penelope gains greater depth as a female character when she is reunited with her husband. Penelope, like most women, is identified through her male relatives, in this case through her husband Odysseus and her father Ikarios. This is not an uncommon style of epithets, even amongst the suitors. This is therefore not meant to diminish her role as regent of Ithaka while Odysseus is away at war. However, it should be noted that Penelope feels that her identity is controlled entirely by Odysseus (Homer, Od. 18.251–255). Despite this, Penelope is very much her own independent character, as is shown by her adept ability at stalling the suitors and ruling as regent over Ithaka for the duration of Odysseus' absence.

The most common epithet of Penelope is

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